unfokussiert

Unfokussiert is a German adjective describing something that is not in focus, i.e., lacking sharpness because the focal plane does not align with the subject. It is commonly used for images, lenses, or optical systems to indicate blur produced by defocus, camera shake, or incorrect focusing.

Derivation and usage: The word comes from un- (a negation prefix) plus fokussiert, itself derived from fokussieren, to focus. In technical writing, unfokussiert is contrasted with fokussiert (in focus) and with unscharf (blurry). The noun form Fokus denotes the focus.

Context and nuance: In photography and cinema, unfokussiert can describe an image that is intentionally blurred as a stylistic choice to convey atmosphere or movement, or it can refer to accidental misfocus. It relates to topics such as Tiefenschärfe (depth of field), Schärfe (sharpness), and Unschärfe (blur). In non-technical language, unfokussiert may also be used metaphorically to signal unclear perception or planning, though this usage depends on context.

See also: Fokus; fokussieren; Schärfe; Unschärfe; Tiefenschärfe.